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How to Help the Gulf

In the wake of the catastrophic oil spill, we identified six ways to help right now—from volunteering time, to giving to effective non-profits, to donating human hair to sop up the oil. Find out more!

In the wake of the catastrophic oil spill, we identified six ways to help right now—from volunteering time, to giving to effective wildlife non-profits, to donating human hair to sop up the oil. Find out more! Plus: Click
here to see stunning photographs of Gulf animals under attack, and
here to read the best local blog posts and tweets from the Gulf region. Join our Facebook group on the Gulf catastrophe
here.

•
Matter of Trust is collecting hair from barbershops and salons, as well as old pantyhose, to create booms that absorb oil, preventing it from reaching the shore. Find out how to donate
here.

• The
National Wildlife Federation has sent a team of wildlife experts to assess the devastating impact of this unfolding tragedy on the region’s communities, wildlife, marshes, and wetlands. They are
taking donations to help rescue otters, loggerhead sea turtles, brown pelicans, and 400 other species that live in the region.

•
Tri-State Bird and Rescue is overseeing the wildlife rehabilitation response along the Gulf Coast and working closely with many collaborating organizations. Call 1-800-557-1401 to report oiled or injured wildlife. People are urged not to attempt to help injured or oiled animals, but to report any sightings via the toll-free number. Learn more about volunteering
here, and donate
here.

• The
Deepwater Horizon Response Volunteer Request Line has been established to organize and inform volunteers who want to help clean up beaches. If you can donate time or use of a vessel or equipment, call 1-866-448-5816.

• The
Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is looking for volunteers for a variety of jobs, from oiled wildlife recovery to monitoring and photographing oil movement. Anyone with experience in dealing with wildlife handling, rehabilitation, or hazardous materials clean up is strongly encouraged to register as a volunteer
here. Donate to the coalition
here.

•
Mobile Baykeeper is an environmental group focused on mitigating the spill’s impact in the Mobile, Alabama area. Email
info@mobilebaykeeper.org if you can volunteer time or access to a boat. Donate to the group’s spill relief efforts
here.